Photo © David Green

Dark Spinach

Pelurga comitata

Checklist Number
70.069 [B&F: 1749]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Larentiinae
Genus:Pelurga
Species:comitata
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Common in rough ground, gardens and allotments throughout much of England, Wales and western Scotland, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight local and uncommon in coastal localities and inland on rough ground and in neglected corners of allotments. Wingspan 33-39 mm. The most likely confusion species is Northern Spinach Eulithis populata, however that species has two points on the distal projection of the postmedian fascia, whereas Dark Spinach has a single point. Larva feeds on Goosefoot and Orache, over-wintering as a pupa.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.